Indicators for the finger doses in interventional radiology

Finger doses and other factors have been recorded in order to investigate parameters that could be used to assess the likely level of finger doses of interventional radiologists. A relatively good correlation between finger dose and dose-area product was found regardless of the type of procedure. The correlation between finger dose and screening time was less significant. Very significant correlation between finger doses and the personal dosemeter reading outside the lead apron was found. This strongly suggests that personal dosemeter worn outside the lead apron can serve as a screening device for finger or hand doses to the radiologists. For radiologists, surgeons and cardiologists likely to receive an annual personal dose reading of more than 20 mSv measured outside the lead apron, doses to the hands are likely to be higher than 50 mSv. In these cases, monitoring of finger doses is recommended to establish dose levels.